Public input sought for Overton Park improvements

As part of their effort to develop a "shared community vision," advocates for Overton Park on Thursday launched an online survey in which citizens can suggest improvements and offer ideas for the 342-acre Midtown oasis.

The survey -- available at OvertonPark.org -- is the latest step in a community outreach effort called "Speak Up For Our Park" begun by a committee of advocates who have been exploring ways to protect and enhance a park they say is deteriorating.

The committee, headed by retired businessman George Cates and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare CEO Gary Shorb, is hosting two public meetings in the coming days, both of them in the Main Gallery of the Memphis College of Art's Rust Hall in Overton Park. The meetings are slated for 10 a.m.-noon Saturday and 5-7 p.m. Tuesday.

Naomi Van Tol, president of the group Citizens to Preserve Overton Park and a committee member, said the goal is to develop a common vision based on community involvement, not impose a predetermined decision onto the public. The outreach effort also will include interviews of people in the park and surrounding neighborhoods. A Facebook page already has been set up.

"I think it's going to be a great process...," she said. "We're really making a broad effort to get input."

Park advocates already achieved a major goal this spring when Gov. Bill Haslam signed into law a bill designating Overton's old-growth forest a state natural area.

The committee, with about 15 members, is composed of representatives of park tenants, user groups, environmentalists and others.

In its initial meetings, the group focused on possibly establishing a nonprofit conservancy, which would manage the park under a contract with the city and have the ability to raise funds from private donors. City Council would have to approve of the arrangement, which would be similar to those governing Shelby Farms Park as well as Central Park in New York.

"I haven't run across any opposition to that idea," Cates said.

Committee members also have looked at the possibility of getting a parking garage built so the Memphis Zoo won't have to use the park's greensward for overflow parking.